CKCC told community campus edges closer

Silverdale’s community campus project, an unsafe crossing on Bucklin Hill Road, and CK’s parks topped discussion at the Central Kitsap Community Council’s semi-annual meeting Oct 15.

About 40 people attended the meeting at the Eagle’s Nest on the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, including all three county commissioners.

“This is a 10-20 year project, but you will never complete something unless you get it started,” said Community Campus Task Force Chairman Rob MacDermid regarding the community campus project.

County officials are close to closing a deal on the Severson property, a 7.3-acre parcel along Randall Way (north of the Sheriff’s precinct station) where the campus would be built.

The campus would include a 25,000-square-foot library, senior housing, a pool, senior center, teen center, transit station and Sheriff’s precinct among other amenities. MacDermid said the elements would fit on the property and still retain a park feel.

“None of this is carved in stone,” he said about the design, which will involve public input.

Cris Gears, director for Kitsap parks and recreation gave an update on the Fairgrounds revamp. (See related story on Page A2.) The KitsapKids playground will also have a permanent restroom installed nearby as part of the plan.

Parking at Silverdale’s newest park site, the Old Mill Park, was an item of contention. Residents said there wouldn’t be adequate parking for the site and crossing Bucklin Hill was nearly impossible.

CKCC member Natalie Bryson suggested the county place a light at Bucklin Hill where pedestrians could push a button and cross.

“I would urge the county to do something soon,” Bryson said.

Residents along Chico way raised concerns about the traffic speeds there. They said it is unsafe for children to walk to school or for people to pull out of their driveways.

“We’re totally aware there’s a problem,” said Naomi Pursel, transportation co-chairman for the CKCC’s transportation committee. She suggested the county consider electronic surveillance to catch speeders.

Community members protested road projects at or near completion, including the Anderson Hill Road roundabout and the Tracyton Boulevard “calming” project.

“If you read the paper and you go to the meetings you won’t be blind-sided by these events,” said Hank Mann-Sykes, CKCC vice president. He encouraged everyone to join one of four committees the CKCC oversees.

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